Dan Hunter creates an intriguing mystery about family, memory, sickness, secrets and science within a trio of skilled neuroscientists in ‘Black Cat.’ It keeps you guessing who is telling the truth until the very end.
Directed insightfully by Steven Bogart and produced by Hathalee Higgs, Hunter Higgs LLC presented Dan Hunter’s mystery drama ‘Black Cat’ as an Incubator and Visiting production live and in person at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 28. The production ran approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information.
Boston University’s Boston Playwrights’ Theatre provided a perfect setting for this production which took place inside a university neuroscience laboratory in the near future of November 2026. Cristina Todesco’s detailed and commercial dual level set design featured realistic lab workspaces with a white board strewn with calculations, brimming file cabinets, a wooden staircase connecting each floor and an impressive kitchenette off the second floor. Zachary Connell’s mercurial and multipurpose lighting with Aubrey Dube’s screeching and foreboding piano-infused sound design augments the fluctuating intensity of each scene.
The set of Dan Hunter’s ‘Black Cat’ at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Photo by Ailsa Smith
Christopher James Webb as Dr. Gideon Wells states, “In science, you need vision, money and time.” When University research grants and funds for Parkinson’s disease are running out, time is of the essence to find a way to move forward, especially after Wells claims to have made a startling discovery. Black Cat featured a trio of skilled scientists seemingly striving for the well being of the lab and the university. Yet, other motivations soon come to light. As each character confronts one another, a number of pieces fall into place.
Liz Eng and Christopher James Webb in Dan Hunter’s ‘Black Cat’ at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Photo by Ailsa Smith
Adrienne Krstansky delivers a layered performance as anxious and witty Dr. Clare Eccles who has just learned she has won the Hall of Fame for her research. She is the head of the department and yet has been guarded, moody and holes herself in her office. Krstansky has previously demonstrated her ample skills in a memorable performance of Gloucester Stage Company’s The Glass Menagerie and it is wonderful to see her again. Krstanky strikes a convincing poker face as she attempts to keeps her fears and escalating state at bay.
The cast of Dan Hunter’s ‘Black Cat’ at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Photo by Ailsa Smith
Christopher James Webb roars as complicated neuroscientist Dr. Gideon Wells. Webb steers this meaty character with finesse from avid listener to domineering, conceited, condescending and cagey. Both Wells and Eccles are wildly intelligent and share a long history. It is fascinating to see how they bicker, compete, reminisce and get under one another’s skin.
Christopher James Webb and Liz Eng in Dan Hunter’s ‘Black Cat’ at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Photo by Ailsa Smith
Thickening the plot is Liz Eng as clever, determined and ambitious post doctoral neuroscientist Chai Lin Anderson caught in the middle of Wells and Eccles which forces her to make her own difficult choices. Anderson’s encounters with Wells and Eccles range from nurturing to threatening and Eng levelheadedly handles herself with diplomacy. She carefully and cleverly hedges her bets between Wells and Eccles while navigating her own enigmatic motivations behind the scenes.
Liz Eng and Adrianne Krstanky in Dan Hunter’s ‘Black Cat’ at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Photo by Ailsa Smith
Boasting a mix of drama and dry humor, Black Cat deftly creates a number of suspicions and illusions as this trio in crisis endures the fears of what the future holds for them. Black Cat is also a snapshot into memory, the inaccessible causes of dementia and Parkinson’s disease which affect so many, and raises a number of questions in which some purposefully go unanswered. It is a production that will leave you still pondering these three compelling characters long after the show is over.
Directed insightfully by Steven Bogart and produced by Hathalee Higgs, Hunter Higgs LLC presented Dan Hunter’s mystery drama ‘Black Cat’ as part of the live and in person at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 28. Click here for more information.
Carole King, one of the most successful songwriters of the latter part of the 20th century, hits the ground running after showcasing her songwriting talent for the first time walking into the studio at age 16. This is not the average biopic where the protagonist has to overcome some sort of terrible tragedy or failure, but a woman on the move from the very start.
Olivia Palmer and Shad Hanley in Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ Photo credit Robert Pascucci
Showcasing a library of hits before Carole even considers performing her own songs, Beautiful brings on the nostalgia of passing generations from the chic retro clothes to the distinctive music style. It is a sweeping musical from a songwriter’s perspective with few low notes and anyway, why not pack a show with hits and a lighter story that just might leave you smiling?
With uplifting direction and chorography by Deanna Dys, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston kicks off their 56th summer season with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical through Sunday, June 22 live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Just moments after Olivia Palmer as Carole makes contact with that baby grand piano for a ruminating rendition of So Far Away, Scenic designer Derek McLane’s detailed rolling, dual level sets framed by a latticed gold border transports Carole Klein into her Brooklyn home where she first started writing. Franklin Meissner Jr.’s energetic lighting often works with Mindy Cimini’s lively Music Direction to the beat ranging from infectious pop to rock to romantic ballads. Dys makes the most of Reagle’s space using split scenes divided by a piano as performances take place anywhere on the stage.
The cast of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Beautiful: The Carol King Musical Photo credit Robert Pascucci
Portrayed by Olivia Palmer throughout the show, Carole is introspective yet dreamy while seemingly more than ready for her life to take off. Palmer captures the essence of Carole’s ambition, shyness, anxiousness, tenacity, self deprecating demeanor, and brilliance having skipped two grades in school. Her resonant vocals are an impressive tribute to Carole’s full trademark voice. With a thick Brooklyn accent, cynical sass and sensibility, Jennifer Bubriski is amusing as Genie Klein, Carole King’s mother, who cuts a deal with Carole in order for Carole to pursue her dreams.
Dominating this musical journey is some of the most popular music of the 20th century and at times, it can feel like a showcase of the music of the era more than Carole’s story. It just goes to show just how deeply influenced the music scene was by Carole King’s songwriting and that of her peers.
The Shirelles in Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Beautiful: The Carol King Musical’ Photo credit Robert Pascucci
Beautiful offers a peek into how some of these classic songs hit the charts. Some of the standout harmonies include Noah Colvin, Brandon Howard, Kenny Lee, and Martinez Napoleon as The Drifters delivering a refreshing mellifluous rendition of On Broadway and The Drifters with Shad Hanely as Gerry Goffin for a soulful Up on the Roof. Palmer and the ensemble also perform a unique and riveting rendition of Chains. A rollicking mix of hits including There Goes My Baby, Splish Splash and Yakety Yak encompasses the sensational 1650 Broadway Medley as a glittering display of guitars, scripts, music sheets, and sound systems hang in the background.
Shad Hanley, Olivia Palmer, Harley Seger and Luke Hawkins in Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Beautiful The Carole King Musical’ Photo credit Robert Pascucci
From shimmering gowns to some of the era’s most popular and colorful fashion trends, Allejo Vietti’s costume design dazzles with Deanna Dys’s lively choreography which infuses some of the dance moves and crazes of each era.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is full of moments of light humor and endearing chemistry among the cast. With smooth and euphonious vocals, Shad Hanley portrays idealistic, intense, and flirtatious Gerry Goffin. Hanley and Olivia Palmer as Carole share some sparks even though Carole never feels deserving of such attention and Hanley’s portrayal as Gerry delivers intensity in both his brightest and darkest, most restless moments. They complement each other and their duet, Take Good Care of My Baby is particularly sweet.
Shad Hanley, Olivia Palmer, Harley Seger, Luke Hawkins and Jim Sorensen in Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ Photo credit Robert Pascucci
With soaring vocals, Harley Seger as confident, independent, supportive yet driven Cynthia Weil and Luke Hawkins as hypochondriac Barry Mann make an engaging comic duo. Hawkins performs a raw and remarkable rendition of We’ve Got to Get Out of This Place. Jim Sorensen is also impressive as seemingly hardnosed, inventive, yet open minded Don Kirshner, who always knows talent when he sees it.
Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston kicks off their 56th summer season with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical‘s through Sunday, June 22 live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Let’s talk about billionaires, gargantuan amounts of money and how to use it.
At least, that is what Becca A Lewis as sleuth Forbes journalist Cherry Beaumont has on her mind in a mysterious interview with Jeff Bezos as he faces a federal case against him in the year 2030. Accompanied by narrator and fact checker Robbie Rodriguez at the ready, How NOT to Save the World with Mr. Bezos is a deep dive into wealth, envy, greed, and blind rage as lines gradually blur between fact, falsehood and fiction.
With unsteady direction by Taylor Stark, Boston Playwrights Theatre presents Maggie Kearnan’sHow to NOT Save the World with Mr. Bezos at Boston Playwrights Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 24. This interactive production contains graphic adult themes and runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Boston Playwrights Theatre’s Fall Rep Festival features two new productions from living authors taking place on one stage and scenic designer Maggie Shivers certainly makes distinctive use of the space for two vastly different productions. Multicolor light streams through adjustable windows in a modern office setting but Courtney Licata’s props are the real kicker which includes red solo cups. Anna Drummond’s immersive sound design with Zachary Connell’s foreshadowing light design proves effective as the production intensifies.
Mark W Soucy in Boston Playwrights Theatre’s ‘How to NOT Save the World with Mr Bezos’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography
With a biting and abrupt laugh and in a vest which seems more like a life preserver, Mark W. Soucy depicts a confident, expeditious yet preoccupied Bezos full of humble brags and word play until the stakes get high. Lewis as Cherry is lively, amusing and occasionally unhinged in a three piece suit and black sneakers. Soucy and Lewis spar with engaging flair as both vie for the upper hand as impressive fact checker Robbie Rodriguez works overtime taking the audience temporarily in and out of the production to clarify each character’s statements.
Mark W Soucy and Becca A Lewis in Boston Playwrights Theatre’s ‘How to NOT Save the World with Mr. Bezos’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography
How to NOT Save the World is fueled by some jaw dropping facts about wealth and offers quite the perspective of how much money billionaires really possess. Among some of the most fascinating are it would take 570 years to spend Bezos’s wealth if Bezos spent 1 million dollars a day or the value of a 430,000 house means just 32 cents to him. It also offers even handed facts about Bezos’s life. At one time, he was the most powerful person in the world.
Mark W Soucy Becca A Lewis and Robbie Rodriguez in Boston Playwrights Theatre’s ‘How to NOT Save the World with Mr Bezos’
Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography
However, the show begins to veer off course and some of the most absurd parts of the production, which infuses a classic tune, do not seem to fall as they should and comes off rather unnecessarily as the interview takes an unexpected turn.
Becca A Lewis and Mark W Soucy in Boston Playwrights Theatre’s ‘How to NOT Save the World with Mr. Bezos’ Photo by Benjamin Rose Photography
Amazon executives have a room where they can let out a primal scream during the holiday season and by the end of the production, I was ready to do so, but not for the reason the show encourages. As one toils at work especially with this inflation, it is difficult for the average person to get ahead. As satirical as the show may suggest, it relies on a society so enraged it cannot see past its most base instincts to supersede every other reasonable thought and bereft of hope for a bleak future. Shouldn’t humanity get more credit than that?
Boston Playwrights Theatre presents Maggie Kearnan’s How to NOT Save the World with Mr. Bezos live and in person at Boston Playwrights Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 24. This interactive production contains adult themes and runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Based on the hit film adaptation starring breakout star Julia Roberts and then megastar Richard Gere, Pretty Woman put a fairy tale spin on a story about a clever prostitute who charms a rich guy. The film is produced by Disney no less and solidly directed by the late esteemed Garry Marshall. With natural elegance, pitch perfect comic timing, and tangible chemistry with Gere who she went on to star with in other film projects due to their thriving and bankable chemistry, Julia Roberts instantly became America’s Sweetheart at just 21 years old.
A lot of big box office movies adapt into musicals and Garry Marshall is behind Pretty Woman the Musical.
Directed with upbeat choreography by Jerry Mitchell, music by award-winning singer-songwriters Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, Pretty Woman the Musical continues live and in person at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 3. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Pretty Woman The Musical – Chase Wolfe and Ellie Baker credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Featuring Chase Wolfe as Edward and adorable Ellie Baker as Vivian creating their own winning chemistry, Pretty Woman the Musical is a feel good adaptation with some memorable musical numbers and includes the beloved and iconic moments that charged the 1990 romantic comedy classic.
Tall metallic palm trees with Hollywood store signs warmly lit by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg bring glitzy California to life by scenic designers David Rockwell and Christine Peters. The rolling set cleverly transforms from energetic city streets to picturesque elegance as silk drapes adorn a gold embroidered balcony with extravagant detailed furnishings including the film’s iconic black baby grand piano.
Pretty Woman The Musical – Bethany McDonald , Ellie Baker, and Taylor M. Sheppard credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
From colorful street clothes to flowing runway fashion to majestic gowns that include Vivian’s iconic red dress, costume designer Gregg Barnes exacts the splashy nature and 80s vibe of this fantasy fairy tale. Commanded by Lauren Esser’s soaring vocals boasted by a powerful rock growl stepping in for Rae Davenport as Kit, fashion bursts onto the scene in the flashy number Rodeo Drive infused with a guitar-tinged rock n roll vibe oozing in the sophistication of many shoppers’ fondest dreams.
Pretty Woman The Musical – Adam Du Plessis credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
One spectacular performer who does a lot of the heavy lifting is Adam Du Plessis as Happy Man. He not only delivers candid and fun-loving charisma to the neon glow of Hollywood Boulevard for What’s Your Dream, a catchy opening number with a tropic tinge, but watch for Du Plessis to pop up unexpectedly and delightedly in various sequences throughout the production boasting sharp comic wit and dynamic spontaneity. Whether in a colorful Hawaiian shirt under a flowing trench coat or dressed to the nines, Du Plessis has quite the range as Happy Man. He shares an endearing rapport with Connor Kabat depicting Giulio with scene stealing goofy sweetness reminiscent of night elevator operator Patrick Richwood from the film.
Ellie Baker has a lot to live up to and successfully makes the role her own through those signature red curls. Baker infuses a unique and goofier free spirit and effervescence to Vivian more playful than Roberts’s engaging portrayal. Julia Roberts had more of an established elegance in her role, even when she is trying to look tough. Baker has bubbly comic timing and a snigger as charming as her beautiful face. She performs a stirring rendition of This is My Life, created from one of Vivian’s monologues to Edward. She also delivers a heightened and powerful solo for I Can’t Go Back.
Pretty Woman The Musical – Chase Wolfe and Ellie Baker credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
In a black suit, maroon tie, and a stubbly beard, Chase Wolfe portrays a more rugged, contemplative, and serious businessman in Edward apart from Richard Gere’s subtle charm. Wolfe offers a separate lightness to the role and shares playful chemistry with Baker particularly for You’re Beautiful. Edward’s character is developed further than in the film, especially during his insightful solo, Freedom which is a nice addition drawn from Edward’s monologue in the film to Vivian.
With thick pink eye shadow, studded black skirt and biker jacket, Lauren Esser’s distinct accent and tough facade as Kit uplifts Luckiest Girl in the World alongside Baker as Vivian and in the bright and catchy number, Never Give Up on a Dream. Kit’s spitfire persona and shoot-from-the hip attitude is a tougher version of Laura San Giocomo’s benchmark performance, but here Kit is a more established character and given a larger arc than in the film. She and Baker share a strong and protective bond evident from Kit’s first scene.
Pretty Woman The Musical – The Company of Pretty Woman The Musical credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Jason Alexander has said that his opportunity for George from Seinfeldcame from Pretty Woman and it was a hard fought battle for him to play the role of Edward’s lawyer and friend, Phillip Stuckey. However, in this version, Mikey Marmann is more of what director Garry Marshall originally had in mind for Stuckey’s intimidating, slimy, and snarky persona and Ellie Barker as Vivian’s updated and more welcoming interactions with him are a little different this time around.
Pretty Woman The Musical – The Company of Pretty Woman The Musical credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Whether it is Sara Wang’s astounding vocals or even the beautiful rendition of You and I which has an unmistakable Bryan Adams influence, Pretty Woman the Musical is an uplifting musical journey that will please fans of the film or anyone experiencing it for the first time.
Directed with upbeat choreography by Jerry Mitchell, music by award-winning singer-songwriters Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton Pretty Woman the Musical continues live and in person at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 3. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Three chrome microphones, two slaying reindeer and one Mrs. Grinchley describes just a fraction of Ryan Landry’s wild tale as The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.
From ugly holiday sweaters to antler ears to twinkling light necklaces to candy cane shirts, it was a festive and dynamic crowd that attended TheRocky Horror Menorah Christmas Show. Refreshments and merchandise were available at the theatre and envelopes were taped to the back of each seat for donations.
TURN AROUND: Taryn Lane as Janet and Eric McGowan as Brad, Briana Scafidi, Alex Davis, Kaedon Gray, and Spookey as the Snow Cone Dancers Photo by Michael von Redlich
The Gold Dust Orphans are known for delivering their own take on vintage films indicated by the retro black and white tube TV which illustrated each theme that was happening onstage through various film montages from Bambi to The Shining. This is TheRocky Horror Picture Show with a holiday twist, but do not expect to hear the songs known from the popular film. Though the story’s characters, a portion of the costumes, and set up are similar which included the signature glittering lips, A Rocky Menorah Christmas Show featured original music with a jingle bell twist by Tad McKittrick and Tim Lawton parodying a number of popular songs by Patti Smith, David Bowie, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler, Taylor Dayne, Joe Cocker and the Go-Gos.
Welcome comedic local references varied from quips about North Shore Massachusetts accents to local landmarks to host puppets ‘GBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan bringing clever humor to their signature banter. Additionally, The Brookline Sisters, a vintage trio of glittering backup singers in red, green and yellow composed of Tad McKittrick, Lizette Morris and Gina Carmella, acted as commentators and semi-narrators throughout this production.
To be clear, never been a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in any of its various forms. After several attempts, still not a fan. Rocky Horror Picture Show is considered a cult classic, but in the Tim Curry-iness of it all, Clueis the preferred cult classic in this critic’s book.
BRAD&JANET: Eric McGowan as Brad Keebler and Taryn Lane as Janet Winky Photos by Michael von Redlich
Sure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 film was risqué and banked on shock value not particularly relevant to the story and this show is similar in that regard. The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show focuses on two Christian elves decked out in fluffy pink and blue that spring a flat on their sled and their only hope is to get help at a mysterious and ice laden castle. Janet, depicted by Taryn Lane, is an insufferable, demanding, melodramatic, and superstitious know-it-all while Brad, portrayed by Eric McGowan, is a henpecked, timid, and dimwitted follower.
Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley dons convincing green makeup and depicts the mastermind of this particular operation accompanied by ghoulish companions Kiki Samko as maid Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Butler Gift Wrap. Though at first this Grinch can be a mean one, Murphy’s Grinchley is a candid and bawdy creature that runs the moral compass of this zany universe. Political and religious ribbings and commentary run as amok as this lusty and at times darkly humorous tale takes shape.
GRINCHLEY: Kaedon Gray and Briana Scafidi as the Snow Cone Dancers, Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley Photo by Michael von Redlich
Directed by Kiki Samko and choregraphed by Briana Scafidi, the cast collectively delivered strong vocals and are skilled dancers especially in the athleticism and impressive stunts performed by Spookey in a Speedo and sunglasses featured in 20th Century Boy. This semi-immersive and interactive show occasionally breaks the 4th wall and the characters sometimes are not limited to the stage.
FUCHSIA & GIFTWRAP: Kiki Samko as Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Gift Wrap Photo by Michael von Redlich
The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show is fast paced, but especially in the second half, starts to lose focus and hits a fork in the road in more ways than one. From a dirty Santa to blow up astronauts to demons to ghouls to tap dancing reindeer to a blow up yellow monster, anything goes and this cast does not leave much to the imagination. While the show does not seem to take itself seriously, when it does toward the end, its strong message seems a strange extra in this wild parody.
The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.
Genesis and Rashad think they know each other well. This lovable couple jokes, knows each other’s likes, quirks, habits, and dreams, and yet in one night, they start to see each other in a new and unfamiliar way.
With multi-layer direction by Jacqui Parker, Lyric Stage Company presents Loy A. Webb’sThe Light through June 26 at Lyric Stage Company live and in person in Boston, Massachusetts. The show is 70 minutes long with no intermission and is Lyric Stage’s final show of the season. This show contains mature topics. Click here for more information and tickets.
Dominic Carter as Rashad and Yewande Odetoyinbo as Genesis in ‘The Light’ Photo by Mark S Howard
Yewande Odetoyinbo as Genesis and Dominic Carter as Rashad in ‘The Light’ Photo by Mark S Howard
Elmer Martinez’s expressive lighting enhances the evocative nature of this production. It is a meaningful show hinging on the strengths of its leads and Yewande Odetoyinbo as school principal Genesis and Dominic Carter as firefighter Rashad are more than up to the task. While both characters are stubborn, Odetoyinbo’s grounded and witty nature as Genesis strikes an important balance with Carter’s optimistic and playful sense of humor as Rashad. Carter is charismatically charming and leads in some of the production’s funniest moments while Odetoyinbo as Genesis is best as the tension builds. It is a joy to watch as they zing each other, tease, dream about the future, debate, and share some of their most treasured memories together. Their innate and compelling chemistry attract such a fondness for this couple that it is easy to get lost in what seems like their complete compatibility.
Dominic Carter as Rashad and Yewande Odetoyinbo as Genesis in ‘The Light’ Photo by Mark S Howard
However, realizations and revelations run deep on this special night. Webb’s clever script invites the audience into this couple’s intimate relationship in all its charms with some passing notes of underlying resentment while carefully laying its cards on the table and raising the stakes through every twist and turn. Odetoyinbo and Carter are a true force as they approach the humor, tension and the difficult and serious topics with compassion.
Yewande Odetoyinbo as Genesis and Dominic Carter as Rashad in ‘The Light’ Photo by Mark S Howard
The Light makes the most out of its 70 minute run time. It has good pacing and escalates quickly, fueled by Odetoyinbo and Carter’s natural chemistry as the show veers toward its powerful conclusion.
Lyric Stage Company presents Loy A. Webb’s The Light through June 26 at Lyric Stage Company live and in person in Boston, Massachusetts. The show is 70 minutes long with no intermission and is Lyric Stage’s final show of the season. This show contains mature topics. Click here for more information and tickets.
Though I’m not a fan of The Crown, the intriguing Oscar-nominated Spencer is new on Hulu and I was too curious about the polarizing acting abilities of Kristen Stewart to miss this film. Not only does the film focus on the tension, the princess’s fragility, and her deteriorating marriage, but what is deemed a fable of a tragedy taught me a bit about the monarchy’s strict regime before heading out to see the Company Theatre’s production of The Audience.
Directed by Steve Dooner and the inspiration behind the Netflix’s hit drama The Crown, Company Theatre presents Peter Morgan’sThe Audience through Sunday, February 20 at Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. The show is 2 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.
Carol Laing Stearns as Queen Elizabeth II with Pembroke Welch Corgis Gregory and Laci Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
The Audience is named after an important room inside Buckingham Palace where Queen Elizabeth II discusses a wide range of topics with various Prime Ministers over the Years. As Queen, she must live up to certain standards to have these meetings on a certain day for a certain length of time and keeping discussions strictly to Cabinet, Parliament, and Current Affairs. Needless to say, conversations often take a turn in unexpected directions. The show delivers light and subtle humor throughout the production, but this is mostly a historical drama.
Carol Laing Stearns portrays the sharp and coolheaded English monarch with sophistication, grace, and underlying prowess (with her royal corgis in tow). She dryly describes herself as “a postage stamp with a pulse,” but we all know better. Stearns has a natural and likable presence, but also stoic and headstrong. She rarely lets her emotions get the better of her, even when she is commenting on it. It is interesting to see the quirks and tenacity, navigating her age progression well. However in a rare moment, thanks to the keen lighting design of Dean Palmer. Jr, the spotlight shines on Stearns in a moment of vulnerability, and it is difficult not be entirely moved by it.
Carol Laing Stearns as Queen Elizabeth II Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
Ryan Barrow’s elegant set is flanked with wall-to-wall gold trim, historical portraits, and a sparkling chandelier shining overhead. Charismatic Rama Rodriguez as Equerry acts as half narrator and half historian, sharing the relevance of this special room and its astute history. From a tartan skirt to the dapper suits on each Prime Minister to the very replica of Queen Elizabeth II’s white dress and royal sash symbolizing her position as the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, costume designer Elizabeth Cole Sheehan has a meticulous eye for historically-accurate regal flair.
The depiction of Elizabeth II’s flashes of childhood is handled in a unique and insightful way though at first it can be a little confusing. Young Elizabeth, portrayed as a precocious and inquisitive old soul by Samantha LeBretton, struggles with her destiny and the separation of her public and private figure. Although she is unsure of her place exactly, she feigns surefootedness, but not without questions.
Carol Laing Stearns as Queen Elizabeth II Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company TheatreJulie Dennis as Margaret Thatcher Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
Chris DiOrio as Harold Wilson is the most sympathetic among the Prime Ministers while Julie Dennis as Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher comes in like a lion and remains one. The tension between Stearns and Dennis as a compelling Thatcher is quite thrilling to witness as two people with much in common can barely agree. DiOrio as Wilson thrives in the role, his strong Northern accent only accentuates his likability.
Among the many political, social, and personal topics addressed, the clash between royal rituals and traditions with modernization and talk of the end of the monarchy is always looming. However, The Audience presents a bigger picture and depicts just why Queen Elizabeth II’s, who just celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this month and is the longest reigning English monarch in history, secret to her longevity reaches far beyond her wit.
Company Theatre’s ‘The Audience’ is the inspiration behind Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
Company Theatre presents Peter Morgan’s The Audience through Sunday, February 20 at Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. The show is 2 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.
It is a production so engrossing that when it ends, you find yourself asking, “Then what happens?”
This is not to say that this insightful one man production, Mr. Parentis incomplete by any means, but the essence of this thought can be found in Maurice Emmanuel Parent‘s charismatic and absorbing storytelling. This autobiographical and semi-interactive recollection of a life-changing period in Parent’s compelling history features amusing and captivating characters that will keep you invested in his journey, eager to find out what is next.
Seamlessly directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, Lyric Stage Company continues the timely production Mr. Parent by Melinda Lopez through February 6 at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts. It will also be available for streaming from February 7 through February 20. This show runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Within a colorful and empty classroom by Cristina Todesco, the aptly-named Mr. Parent manages to cover a great deal in its limited time frame from the state education system to struggling families to struggling teachers to desegregation during a pivotal time in Mr. Parent’s life approached with the kind of heart and humor that comes from experience. Inspirational, educational, and complex, Mr. Parent also begs a significant question that many people face every day: How do I pursue my passion while still making a decent living?
Working in the arts, this quest is close to my heart. In order to do what one loves, one may have to supplement that journey with additional job or jobs to make it all work. It is a journey of sacrifice, more than likely a lack of sleep, and an overwhelming desire towards that dream goal, however means it may take to get there. For some, taking this avenue may create another dream realized.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Maurice Immanuel Parent as himself is a struggling actor hoping to find success, but quickly realizes that doing so requires supplemental income. He finds it in the form of teaching. Having seen him perform as Cardinal Richelieu in Greater Boston Stage Company and Front Porch Arts Collective’sThe Three Musketeers, Parent has a wealth of talent. He is a charismatic presence onstage and it is easy to see the drive and heart he puts into his work. Here, Maurice Emmanuel Parent’s personal account reflects that talent in spades.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo courtesy of Mark S Howard
It has as much heart as adventure from hyena auditions to a sneaky hoodie to recollections of shows he encourages his parents not to see, Parent recounts the unsettled and unpredictable life of teaching and acting which includes plenty of realizations along the way with bite, humor, and in times of distress, unmitigated honesty. For example, in two particularly moving moments, Mr. Parent describes in anguish what it is like to see his bright students from low income families struggle for their basic needs and enduring the scare of a lockdown. He navigates scenario after scenario invoking an intensity and desperation to succeed in a job that he hopes will meet his needs, but wondering if he may be in over his head. Seemingly sterling opportunities almost always have its challenges and Mr. Parent shows that we all have much to learn.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent Photo by Mark S Howard
Lyric Stage Company continues Mr. Parent through February 6 live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Michael Hammond may change the way you look at life. Are you afraid of the audition? He’ll show you a way to succeed. Having a bad day? He’ll show you a way to lift your spirits. As the new Director of Development at the Company Theatre, a role he calls a lifelong dream, his positivity may help others the way Company Theatre has helped him since childhood.
‘Ragtime’ Photo courtesy of the Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
Michael Hammond, Paragon Park the Musical co-writer and George A. Dodge in 2019 production Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
Aimee Doherty as Alison, Michael Hammond as Bruce, and Riley Crockett as Small Alison Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
The Company Theatre, located at 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts, joyously held their first indoor production since their absorbing musical, Fun Home early last year. Rock of Ages was an edgy and energetic rock jukebox musical that took place last month. See Rock of Ages review here and click here for Sleepless Critic’s full podcast.
Sleepless Critic: Please tell me what it was like to be back in the indoor setting for Rock of Ages.
Michael Hammond: It’s so fantastic. It’s emotional, exciting, and the energy in the air was just electric. You were there. You saw it. People were cheering and screaming.
The show starts with Sally Forrest’s voice doing her standard announcement which we are all accustomed to hearing. It was such a welcome back and to hear her voice and I think people cheered over her entire announcement. Just to be back inside, hear that familiar voice, and to know we’re about to see a really fun and exciting show was just great.
SC: I know this was the opening weekend for indoor theatre, but you did have some outdoor theatre experiences like Avenue Q before this show.
MH: Avenue Q was incredible. The kids were so talented. Their commitment to what they were doing and their characters were dynamic. It was Broadway-type quality coming out of these kids on the outdoor stage of the Company Theatre out back. We have had other things like Divas with a Twist and Donny Norton’s band,The New Band there. That’s been a really nice addition to the Company Theatre as well as now being back inside.
SC: So getting back to Rock of Ages, you had your opening weekend and you felt like everything went as smooth as can be?
MH: Absolutely! So many new people in this show and as is typical of the Company Theatre, they are already saying this is my new home. It’s this overwhelming feeling that you’re home and you found your family at the Company Theatre even if you did one show and you never come back, it still feels that way. I’ve been involved since I was 19 years old.
Shane Hennessey as Stacee Jaxx Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
SC: I was going to say that you are familiar with that feeling.
MH: I’m very familiar with that feeling. I don’t know what my life would have been like without Company Theatre. I would have taken a completely different path.
SC: It’s hard to replicate the kind of friendly and welcoming atmosphere you have when you’re in theatre.
MH: Absolutely! Such a nice group of people too that do theatre especially the teens. They just stay out of trouble. They have a common goal they are working towards and they enjoy each other’s company and make lifelong friendships. I can’t say enough about it.
I’ve just seen so many kids, even this summer just come through the doors and they leave just completely changed and confident and more themselves. It’s just a beautiful thing to witness.
SC: When you said you had been with Company Theatre pretty much your whole life, you said it was a lifelong dream to do something like this as the Director of Development now. I’m really excited for you.
MH: Thank you! Like a lot of people during the pandemic, you start to question ‘Am I doing what I want with my life? Is this fulfilling and rewarding?’ Like many people, I came to the conclusion that what I was doing was not for me anymore.
It had run its course and I needed something new and Jordie Saucerman, one of the founding partners of the Company Theatre, had passed away and that really accelerated my thought process because her wake was attended by so many people. I thought ‘Look at all the lives that she touched.’ The impact that Jordie had on people is immeasurable. Even if I make just a little sliver of that impact on people, I would feel great about my life. That set the wheels turning.
I approached Zoe one day and said, ‘I will be your janitor. I basically don’t care what you have me do, if there is a spot for me here, I am coming.’ That seed was planted awhile ago and it sort of blossomed into Director of Development. I’m so excited to try new things and just give back what I got from this theatre.
SC: Not only that, but you have a similar positive way about you like Jordie had. Where do you get your positive outlook from? Where do you draw it from considering I’ve also seen videos of you on social media?
I’m not attempting to fill Jordie’s shoes in any way. That’s not a task that anyone could accomplish. She is a unique individual who I feel is still around in the atmosphere and in the joy of the theatre. If I’m upset or have a bad day, it makes me feel better to brighten someone else’s day. That is such a nice feeling to buy someone in line a coffee or just compliment someone or encourage someone to do something they didn’t think they could do. I live off of that. If I am having the worst day of my life and I do something nice for somebody, I instantly feel recharged. I think that’s how I basically go through life.
SC: I hear that from a lot of comedians as well. It makes them feel better to make someone else laugh even if they are upset or having issues.
MH: I tried standup comedy once. I did it more for the writing aspect, but I did perform. It was an interesting experience because you come out onstage and you look at a sea of faces who want you to succeed because if you succeed, they have a fantastic time. You have an overwhelming amount of support that you just want to hold onto and it was an incredible feeling.
SC: What did you did before this that you wanted to walk away from and join the Company Theatre?
MH: I was the station manager at a local cable television station. I was so grateful because it was also a non-profit. I probably learned so many skills that I could apply to this job I didn’t necessarily have before. Just the behind the scenes stuff, the QuickBooks, the budgets, and managing a non-profit was extremely helpful and then also applying my video experience to the job as well. Filming and creating events and learning special effects.
So all of that which at the time was a perfect job for me, but nine years later I felt like I needed a change and so I am going to apply what I learned there and bring it to the Company Theatre. We can offer acting for camera classes and improv for camera classes.
I’ve been on auditions and in commercials. We want to provide those skills to kids who like to act and be on camera. We want them to be able to go into an audition and know how to slay what they are going to be asked to do and be prepared for anything.
I actually started with a class over the summer. Some of the kids were auditioning so they got immediate training for those auditions. When they came back, they would tell the other students that they did just what Michael showed us. I asked if they felt more prepared. Did you do a better job with the audition? Their faces lit up and they said, ‘Absolutely!’ That was a nice thing.
We want to get in touch with the local casting agencies which we already have a good relationship. We want to create a talent database where you can see video auditions and we can send those out so we kind of want to be a bridge between the local movie and theatre scene. We’ll provide students with the training. They’ll have the skills to go out and nail professional auditions and maybe get cast in movies and commercials. We just really want everyone to have new and exciting opportunities to excel in a career in film and theatre if that is something that they are interested in.
‘Ragtime’ (L to R) Barbara Baumgarten, Cristian Sack, Hilary Goodnow, Brenna Kenney, Finn Clougherty, Jillian Griffin, with Hannah Dwyer as Little Girl and Michael Hammond as Tateh Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre
SC: Let’s face it – the audition process is the most nerve-wracking and hardest part I think to convey right off the bat because in your head, you are saying,’ I know what I can do for you’ but then you get up there and it is not exactly what you picture.
MH: Having directed before, people come in and they are nervous. The reality is the casting company is nervous and they have roles to fill. So, the second you come in, put them at ease, and they know they have options, they feel better. I always say in my mind when I got into an audition, ‘Here I am! You can relax. I am going to be that person you need.’ I think it’s an interesting way to keep yourself calm to think I am exactly what you need instead of I hope I’m what you need.
SC: I never really thought of it like that.
MH: Think about it. You have a reputation. You have a project. You want to cast the right people because that makes you look good as well. If you find the right people not only are you confident about the project, but it brings excitement.
When I direct a show, I’m not very excited about it until I know who is in it and then I can tailor their performances to their talents. It is such a thrill to watch people blossom.
Please tell me about the projects you are working on now and upcoming projects.
I don’t think I’ll be directing anything for a little bit. I’ll probably take on some projects here and there. I definitely can’t leave that part behind. I’m really going to focus on the video classes. I’ll be working with Christie Reading. She is extremely talented with anything video related. So, I will be teaming up with her teaching improv for camera, acting for camera, and getting people ready for auditions.
I think it will be really exciting if we get someone cast in a major motion picture which has happened at Company Theatre. Andrew Mackin was in Mystic River, Jonathan Togo is on CSI, Michael Morlani is the casting director for Disney. There are a lot of success stories that come out of this theatre.
We want to nurture and encourage that. That is kind of my goal. It’s to really push people to excel in any way that they can.
SC: You can’t forget about Boston Casting. How convenient is that! There are all kinds of films going on in the state.
MH: Exactly and literally a mile down the road they are making motion pictures. So how can we not be a part of that? They are working on the new Jon Hamm movie in Cohasset. I know Angela at Boston Casting who is an incredible woman and I don’t know how she does everything she does, but with all those films going on, eventually they will run out of actors.
We get casting notices all the time and I’m forwarding them off to everybody I know that I think fits. For example, I sent a buddy of mine a notice yesterday. They were looking for an actual butcher with acting experience and I happen to know a butcher with acting experience. I’m thinking he might get it.
SC: I know. Some of the requirements are so wild.
MH: It’s so specific, but every once in a while I’ll say, ‘Wait a minute, that is me.’
Company Theatre is offering theatre classes in the fall. Click here for the full schedule and upcoming events.
One of the main attractions of virtual concerts is being able to discover new music anywhere in the world.
Inside Copenhagen’s iconic Round Tower that houses a church, library, and an astronomical observatory, three musicians deliver a mesmerizing musical experience as Dreamers Circus. Warmly introduced by violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sorensen, this performance was filmed in Round Tower’s immaculate library as Swarm, a floating exhibit created by female Denmark artists Baskets4Life, contributes to the concert’s surreal setting.
Celebrity Series of Boston welcomes award-winning musical trio Dreamers Circus streaming through Thursday, April 15. The concert premiered as a live streamed concert on Friday, April 9 and includes a Q & A with the group. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Comprised of violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sorensen, pianist and accordionist Nikolaj Busk, and Ale Carr on Nordic Cittern, Dreamers Circus draws from classical, Swedish, and Nordic rhythms to weave a collection of playful, breezy, and mesmerizing selections well suited to the band’s name while providing a haven in this dark time.
Pianist and Accordionist Nikolav Busk Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Ale Carr on Nordic Cittern Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Violinist Run Tonsgaard Sorensen Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Among the many highlights of this performance is the quirky originality and chipper rhythms in their telling song, The World is Waiting from their latest album, White Gold. The sunny piano and whistling medley exudes a lighthearted anticipation of what’s to come. Pentamime delves into hypnotic rhythms, suspense, and building intensity while City Gardens, from their album Rooftop Sessions, offers a fascinating and intricate mix of soothing rhythms, bright notes, as well as haunting, eclectic, and electronic sounds that brings out the song’s unique vibrancy.
Busk introduces Kitchen Stories, a rich number that fluctuates between lively and tranquil while showcasing Sorensen’s nimble artistry with the violin and Busk’s switch to an accordion before joining together for a memorable folk reel.
Dreamers Circus at Copenhagen’s Round Tower Nikolaj Busk, Rune Tonsgaard Sorensen, and Ale Carr Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Hjerter To/Fangden Og Hans Pumpestok has a bright, catchy, and fanciful medley as Busk pulls double duty performing on the piano and the accordion. Introducing what Carr calls “a poor man’s viola,” Carr duets with Sorensen for traditional Swedish song, Folkrothvalsen.
The concert builds to a thrilling finale with A Room in Paris and Prelude to a Song. While A Room in Paris delivers an upbeat and joyful urgency, Prelude to the Sun provides a perfect blend of sonic and dreamlike harmony.
Not to be left out is the engaging and laid back camaraderie between the musicians as they take the audience on an intriguing and inviting musical journey that could suit any musical taste. Celebrity Series of Boston @home presents Dreamers Circus on demand through Thursday, April 15. Click here for more information and tickets.
Celebrity Series of Boston will present their annual Stave Sessions kicking off on Wednesday, April 21. Click here for a closer look at their season and ways to support Celebrity Series of Boston.
